Post-Operative Complications

What are some common post operative complications?

• Fever

• Wound infections

• Embolisms

• Deep vein thrombosis

What sort of complications might you expect 0-2 days post surgery?

• Post operative fever

• Superficial infection relating to the surgery

• Haematoma

What sort of complications might you expect 3-5 days post surgery?

• Pneumonia

• Sepsis

• Wound infection

• DVT

• Phlebitis

What sort of complications might you expect 5+ days after surgery?

• Wound infection

• Urinary Tract Infection

• Chest infection

• DVT

• PE

How would you manage post operative complications?

• Complete full set of obs

• Senior clinician to complete differential diagnosis on presenting signs, symptoms and observations

• Senior clinician to identify appropriate care pathway OR convey to nearest ED if appropriate